Leadership in the Indian Army: Biographies of Twelve Soldiers

From the Jacket:

There is a general lack of awareness about the contribution of military leaders towards sustaining the country's integrity and in maintaining democracy, stability and harmony. The record of the Indian Army has been impeccable in this regard but it is a story seldom heard outside mess halls.

Spanning over 60 years of military leadership in India, this unique book brings to life the human side of twelve exceptional military leaders. Unlike traditional biographies of leaders which focus primarily on many operations or regimental histories, the author concentrates on personal accounts, anecdotes and reminiscences in order to highlight these leaders' personalities, and to draw out the human face behind the military façade. The author argues that written records tend to glorify the actions of battalions as well as individuals, magnifying achievements while suppressing the mistakes and glossing over failures. This book, on the other hand, provides a truer picture of the strength of character and convictions of each of these leaders. The other important features of the book are:

• It throws new light on many historical events and the role of political leaders during India's fight for independence and the partitioning of the subcontinent.
• Gives an overview of India's military history after independence, including major operations such as the wars with China in 1962, and with Pakistan in 1947, 1965 and 1971.
• Describe many hitherto unknown or little known facts and incidents concerning smaller operations like Nathu La in 1967 and in 1962.

Based on almost 10 years of research, this absorbing book will attract a broad readership. In particular, it will be interest to students of military history, strategic studies and contemporary India besides being essential reading for all defense personnel.

About the Author:

Major General V.K Singh passed out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, in June 1965 and was commissioned into the Corps of Signals. In his career spanning 37 years he held several important posts, including that of Chief Signal Officer of the Western Command. He is presently writing the second volume of the history of the Corps of Signals.

CONTENTS

	List of Abbreviations	7
	Foreword by Lieutenant General (Retd) Ajai Singh	11
	Preface	13
	Acknowledgements	17
1.	Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, OBE First Indian Commander-in-Chief	19
2.	Lieutenant General Thakur Nath Singh A Fearless Nationalist	51
3.	General K.S.Thimayya, DSO Timmy Sahib, India's Most Popular General	85
4.	Lieutenant General S.P.P. Thorat, KC, DSO A Professional to the Core	119
5.	Brigadier Mohd Usman, MVC The Epitome of Valour	151
6.	Field Marshal S.H.F.J. Manekshaw, MC The Architect of India's Victory over Pakistan	181
7.	Lieutenant General R.N.Batra, PVSM, OBE Communicator par Excellence	223
8.	Lieutenant General P.S.Bhagat, PVSM, VC The Soldiers' General	259
9.	Lieutenant General Sagat Singh, PVSM India's Finest Combat Leader	293
10.	Lieutenant General Z.C. Bakshi, PVSM, MVC, VrC, VSM India's Most Decorated General	327
11.	Lieutenant General S.K. Sinha, PVSM The Soldier-Statesman	355
12.	Lieutenant General Hanut Singh, PVSM, MVC A Brilliant Tactician	383
	Select Bibliography	415
	About the Author	419